Back in the 1500s, Martin Luther knew that music has the power to touch the soul and to lead us on in our journey with Christ.

He once said: Music is a fair and lovely gift of God...Next after theology I give to music the highest place and the greatest honor...Experience proves that next to the Word of God only music deserves to be extolled as the mistress and governess of the feelings of the human heart…Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise.

At Morning Star Lutheran Church, we offer our time and talent in varied ways in the Ministry of Music. The musical offerings are listed below. Please call Minister of Music Ed Tompkins at 704-847-4502 for information about any area of the Ministry of Music or to volunteer your musical talents. YOU are needed as we work together to glorify God.

MAKING A COMMITMENT - It is understood that persons who make a commitment to a choir or ensemble may have to occasionally miss a rehearsal or a worship service. In order to offer our best in worship to God, each person who participates in the Ministry of Music is asked to attend rehearsal and worship for the particular musical group as often as possible. Each rehearsal builds on the last! If rehearsal attendance is a problem, please talk with Minister of Music Ed Tompkins.

SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS All suggestions regarding the music in worship, new ideas for choirs and ensembles, or other musical related thoughts may be shared with Minister of Music Ed Tompkins at 704-847-4502.

Vocal choirs
PRAISE CHOIR offers musical leadership at the 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship service. The choir supports the singing of the liturgical responses and the worship songs. Music of all styles is sung, with an emphasis on contemporary composers and texts. In addition, the choir prepares special music for worship on a regular basis. All adults and high school singers are invited to join this choir. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

CHANCEL CHOIR offers musical leadership at the 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship service. The choir supports the congregational singing of the liturgy and hymns, using the Lutheran Book of Worship. The Chancel Choir prepares anthems to offer each Sunday in worship. All adults and high school singers are invited to join this choir. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

SPECIAL SEASONAL SINGING occurs during Advent/Christmas and also Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Vocalists who cannot commit to annual participation in Praise Choir or Chancel Choir are encouraged to commit to six – eight weeks of rehearsal during these seasons of the church year for Sunday worship and special musical programs.

SOLOISTS, either instrumentalists or singers, are encouraged to volunteer to offer your musical gifts during worship. Special music is always welcomed in worship as we glorify and praise God together.

Instrumental ensembles
RADIANCE RINGERS HANDBELL CHOIR rehearses weeklY and offers special music in worship every five-six weeks. In addition, the choir participates in festivals with other area handbell choirs. Handbell ringers must be able to count, and music reading ability is highly encouraged. All High School youth and adults are encouraged to consider ringing. This bell choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:00 pm.

JOYFUL NOISE HANDBELL CHOIR is for Middle School youth, High School youth, and adults who are interested in learning about handbells and tonechimes. No prior music reading ability is needed. This bell choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from  6:00-7:00 pm.

INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE - provides the musical leadership for the congregation and Praise Choir at the 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship service. All instruments, including brass, guitar, keyboard, strings, winds, and percussion enhance the musical ensemble. Rehearsal for the Instrumental Ensemble is Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:00 pm.

RECORDER CONSORT is a group of instrumentalists who play the small woodwind instrument that was developed and refined in the medieval ages. The consort includes soprano, alto, tenor and bass recorders. The Recorder Consort offers special music in worship on a regular basis and prepares concerts to play in the local community. Individual instruction on a recorder can be given to those who wish to give this ministry a try! Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 8:00 – 9:00 p.m.

CHILDREN’S MUSIC is offered seasonally on WEDNESDAY evenings. Both a singing choir and an instrumental ensemble, using the church’s collection of Orff percussion instruments, are offered in the fall, during December, and during Lent. Watch the Beacon, the weekly worship bulletin, and the website for more information.